Friday, July 29 2005 17:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Indian Railways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation for running a luxury tourist train in the Karnataka sector, the Rajya Sabha was informed today (July 29, 2005).

Presently, the Railways run two luxury tourist trains- the Palace on Wheels and the Deccan Odyssey, Bharat Darshan Special, a tourist train for the common people and the Fairy Queen, a heritage steam safari, Minister of State for Railways R Velu said in a written reply.

Refund: A total amount of approximately Rs 4,790 crore has been paid towards refund of reserved tickets cancelled through computerised Passenger Reservation System across the counter, during financial years 2003-2004 and 2004-2005, he said.

Revenue: Railways have earned approximately Rs 36.72 crore and Rs 50.21 crore in 2003-04 and 2004-05 respectively through commercial advertisements on railways, Velu said, adding efforts were on to generate additional earnings through commercial publicity by adopting a new approach on the subject.

Upgradation: The scheme for upgradation of passengers against vacant accommodation available in Upper Class is under examination, consistent with the provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, the Minister said.

The details of the scheme were yet to be finalised, he said.

Checking: During the period April 2001 to May 2005, 780.50 lakh persons were apprehended travelling without ticket/with irregular ticket including unbooked luggage.